Purchasing Specialist

Garelick Farms•Town of East Greenbush, NY

About The Position

Perform all phases of order/purchasing activities with a limited degree of supervision. Acquire materials, supplies, and services and place purchase orders for goods that have standard costs and quoted discounts already in place. Check and process purchase orders/requisitions; review information to ensure it is complete, accurate, and that order parameters are clear and understood. Monitor systems to determine purchasing requirements. Review opportunities for new supply sources and suitability of materials offered. Demonstrate full proficiency with purchasing activities, ensure good purchasing practices, and function as a resource for team members with less experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
2 to 4 years of purchasing or related experience
Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Skill in proficient computer usage
Strong organization and planning skills
Good negotiation skills
Able to provide solutions to problems in situations that are atypical or infrequently occurring based on practice and existing precedents or procedures
Able to use discretion to modify work practices and processes to achieve results or improve efficiency
Able to make decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information or under tight deadlines
Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Able to work independently under limited supervision
Able to adapt and manage change effectively
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Responsibilities

Prepare and review requests and assist with payables, purchase orders, and invoices
Contact management or department representatives to clarify or obtain additional information
Maintain inventory items at predetermined levels to serve operations and administration
Maintain organizational flow of stockroom, parts, and supplies to aid in locating supplies and eliminate ordering unnecessary supplies
Coordinate and perform cycle counts on inventory
Monitor and report results for monthly tracking
Determine whether products have been received, receive and review accompanying documents, and forward to appropriate accounting group for payment processing
Establish, develop, and maintain positive vendor relationships and educate vendors regarding company purchasing policies and procedures
Research products and services, obtain accurate and complete price and delivery information, and determine best source for various purchases based on price and availability
May negotiate pricing (to be reviewed by supervisor); look for ways to minimize costs (e.g., consolidate purchase orders to minimize freight costs) and present to supervisor
Research equipment and supplies for non-stock item purchases
Purchase non-inventoried items/supplies and maintain monthly records for corporate
Track status of orders and report delivery issues to affected management
Respond to requests for emergency orders, and contact vendors to expedite orders when necessary
Identify problems and issues, such as poor product quality and quantity shortages, communicate with vendors, and follow through to ensure problems are addressed
Respond to, investigate, and resolve purchasing-related inquiries, concerns, complaints, and problems
Create, compile, and maintain necessary documents for internal and external individuals (e.g., management, accounting, auditors)
Communicate purchase order procedures, changes, and directives to staff in order to ensure the smooth and accurate flow of information